Gonzaga's backcourt 'needs to shine' against San Francisco in 2024 WCC Tournament semifinals

If the Gonzaga Bulldogs are to advance to their 27th-straight West Coast Conference Tournament championship game, Ryan Nembhard and Nolan Hickman will be a big reason why.

Mark Few's starting backcourt played a pivotal role in the 86-68 win over San Francisco on Feb. 29 at the Chase Center, as Hickman dropped 22 points — 19 in the second half — while Nembhard controlled the offense to the tune of 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Both junior guards finished the regular season on a high note with All-WCC honors, with Nembhard leading the league in assists while Hickman averaged a career-high 14.0 points and shot 41.0% from downtown.

The Zags' duo faces quite a challenge with the Dons' backcourt. Marcus Williams was an All-WCC first team member averaging 14.0 points and 3.8 assists per night. Ryan Beasley off the bench was the WCC Freshman of the Year with 8.1 points and 1.3 steals off the bench. Deep and talented, San Francisco's guards have played a major role in the No. 2 scoring offense in the WCC.

Former Gonzaga All-American Dan Dickau breaks down the Bulldogs' keys to victory against the Dons in a new Gonzaga Nation episode. 

Produced by Christian Pedersen.